Using
Metaphors
Name:__________________________________
Figurative language includes special forms that writers use to help readers make a
strong connection to their words. A metaphor is one kind of figurative language.
It makes a direct comparison of two unlike things. You can tell the difference
between a metaphor and a simile because a simile uses the words “like” or “as”, and
a metaphor does not. Metaphors often use a form of the verb “to be”. The verb can be in
the past tense (was, were), the present tense (am, is, are), or future tense (will be).
Read the sentences below. Rewrite each one using a metaphor.
1. She was stuck at home, unable to go anywhere.
____She was a prisoner in her own home._______________________________.
2. Peter does better than anyone else in our classroom.
_________________________________________________________________.
3. The information was good news that Gracey was glad to hear.
_________________________________________________________________.
4. Scott was sad for a long time after his puppy died.
_________________________________________________________________.
5. Life has happy times, and sad times.
_________________________________________________________________.
6. People of all different races live together in America.
_________________________________________________________________.
7. Wasting time is bad.
_________________________________________________________________.
8. The accident taught me to be more careful when I cross the street.
_________________________________________________________________.
Copyright © 2012 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in classrooms.
http://www.k12reader.com
Key
Name:__________________________________
Using
Metaphors
Figurative language includes special forms that writers use to help readers make a
strong connection to their words. A metaphor is one kind of figurative language.
It makes a direct comparison of two unlike things. You can tell the difference
between a metaphor and a simile because a simile uses the words “like” or “as”, and
a metaphor does not. Metaphors often use a form of the verb “to be”. The verb can be in
the past tense (was, were), the present tense (am, is, are), or future tense (will be).
Read the sentences below. Rewrite each one using a metaphor.
Student answers will vary. Sample answers given.
9. She was stuck at home, unable to go anywhere.
____She was a prisoner in her own home._______________________________.
10. Peter does better than anyone else in our classroom.
Peter is a shining star in our classroom.
_________________________________________________________________.
11. The information was good news that Gracey was glad to hear.
The information was music to Gracey’s ears.
_________________________________________________________________.
12. Scott was sad for a long time after his puppy died.
Scott was blue for months after his puppy died.
_________________________________________________________________.
13. Life has happy times, and sad times.
Life is a rollercoaster of emotions.
_________________________________________________________________.
14. People of all different races live together in America.
America is a melting pot of different races.
_________________________________________________________________.
15. Wasting time is bad.
Time is money.
_________________________________________________________________.
16. The accident taught me to be more careful when I cross the street.
The accident was a painful lesson on safety.
_________________________________________________________________.
Copyright © 2012 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in classrooms.
http://www.k12reader.com